Why is it a tricky question?

[fbhjr]

The headhunter for the laser company I’m hoping will hire me wanted to meet with me today. I guess they’re still interested three weeks after the phone interview. That’s good.
The headhunter was told he had to personally vouch for me and didn’t want to do that based on email and phone calls.
So, I agreed to meet him this afternoon as he was in the area.

So, I met him at the Dunkin Donuts down the hill from 495. I brought photos of the lasers I worked on, marketing literature on them, drawings done on the CAD system they use and old reviews I got while I worked there.

“Wow, you’re certainly prepared,” he said. “But, if you get the interview there is one question they ask people that you’ll need to have a good answer ready.
“OK,” I said. “What’s the question?”
“What do you do on weekends?”
I laughed. Yes, there in Dunkin Donuts in front of the head hunter.
“Have you been asked this before?” he asked.
“Not a job interviews,” I said. “In fact, I usually try and avoid the question at job interviews.”
“Well, these people will ask as they really need someone to fit their corporate attitude so, who you are matters as much as what you can do.”
“Well, I swing swords at people and play with fire in front of the biggest crowds I can find,” I said.
Pause.
“Well, that’s a very creative answer,” he said. “I’m pretty sure no one else has said that.”
“If they want pictures of that, they are at www.phoenixswords.com,” I said.
“You’re serious?”
“My wife and I run a group that performs sword fights and fire shows,” I said. “Last Saturday I was presenting a paper on sickle fighting at the University of Mass.”
“You’re not joking?”
“Nope,” I said. “I don’t usually bring it up as some people have problems with folks having swords.”
“I don’t think it will hurt you,” he said. “You took the initiative, created your own business and give presentations in public. That sounds like it should work for you.”
He does seem to be good at his job, doesn’t he?

So, it’s good that there is still help in the job. Hopefully it will turn into something...

Comments

[palusbuteo.livejournal.com]

Hehehe. Well don't show up at the interview with weapons...That could be seen the wrong way.

Good luck with it, I'm hoping this will be a good prospect for you - I like the idea of you working with lasers (again) and swords...


"You took the initiative, created your own business and give presentations in public"

Huh...Ya know I never really thought of it that way before....Maybe I shouldn't be so restrictive in presenting what I do in that context at work if issues keep coming up. Although I know the President of the company knows I do LH stuff, he's even seen pictures and is always asking me what I'm doing for events; and some other coworkers are curious/interested...So maybe it's not so bad if my current supervisor, despite being a dick, could see how inherent skills in (public presentation) make me a better employee..

Hmmmmmmmmm...

[kismets-kiss.livejournal.com]

LOL! Priceless! I've mentioned in interviews what I do with my extra time, and I have almost always gotten a O_o look. Only once did I get the interviewer, who was a lump, who was about to jump out of his chair in excitement. He almost squee'ed when I told him I was a stage combatant for a renfaire. lol Then he asked if I could get his family tickets. I said, you hire and it's a done deal. I didn't get the job, but I did see he and his family at TNRF that season, lol. He came up to me and apologized.

[palusbuteo.livejournal.com]

wow, he's got some guts to come up to you and apologize, especially if you had a sword in hand :P

Love the icon, too

[kismets-kiss.livejournal.com]

LOL I don't usually hold much of a grudge. Only really special people do I reserve that for... LOL

I think that it could work to your definite favor

[evrgreen.livejournal.com]

As you indicated, probably no other applicant has ever had a similar weekend business/activity as what you guys have put together. Now, on the flip side- if you did show up to the interview in costume or appear to be an escapee from a Ren Faire they will likely 86 your application, but showing up in your engineer suit and showing them your work - I think it will go well for you, especially if the topic does come up and they appreciate a technical person who can apply his creative abilities in such a diverse manner - Certainly they don't have to worry about you being able to speak in public !

I wish you the very best of luck !

[morgan-lafaye.livejournal.com]

Good luck. Too bad the headhunter can't hire you.

[gypsykate1890.livejournal.com]

LOL--that's awesome! Hopefully it will work in your favor--I would think so, for the reasons he mentioned.

I've added Ren Faire stuff to my resume...I explained it as providing family friendly, educational entertainment in a medieval setting. ;-) ... I like your answer better.

[capt-amos.livejournal.com]

Let me just say...getting paid to play with lasers would be *AWESOME*.

I once got a job with the DMV because the interview was 45 minutes before I was scheduled to model in a bridal show.
I wore full white tails with a top hat and cane to the interview.
They told me they had over 50 applicants, so I guess I was memorable, LOL.

I also let everyone at work know about my pirate activities...somewhere in the back of my mind I hope it gives me a pass for the long hair! :-)

Hope you get the job!

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

I used to work for a different laser company 10 years ago. That's what they have the most questions about.

[andrewfeland.livejournal.com]

That is TREMENDOUS. Possibly the best spin job on stage combat that I have ever seen. I hope you get the job!

[cissa.livejournal.com]

That sounds really promising- good luck!

They do say that one of the tricks to getting hired is standing out from the crowd. :)